INNISFAIL – For more than a half century the Innisfail United Church has brought the community together with pancakes.
Not for a typical breakfast fare but a Shrove Tuesday supper, the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, which this year was on Feb. 26.
It is also known as Mardi Gras, a carnival day; a last day of “fat eating” before the upcoming 40 fasting days of the Lent season. Some even know it as simply “Fat Tuesday," a last chance to gorge oneself with rich food, which includes syrup-drenched pancakes.
However, the Innisfail United Church, while honouring Shrove Tuesday’s religious significance, also cherishes the celebration as a time-honoured community event that has been hosted in town since at least 1968.
“Definitely. That is what it is, to bring the community in,” said Candice Thomas, the church’s office administrator, adding the pancake supper at the church is an inclusive event with everyone in the community, regardless of faith, invited. “Everyone is welcome.”
The Feb. 25 event, like its community turkey dinner in October that is held at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion, is also a fundraiser for the church to support its many programs for the community.
This year’s pancake supper, which included scrambled eggs and ham, attracted 174 citizens. The cost was $8 per adult and $20 for a family. There was free admission for children five and under.
“It brings people from all walks of life. There are people here who are part of the church, people who are part of cubs, scouts and girl guides, and other community members as well. It is a chance for all of us to get together,” said Pastor Darren Liepold.
While everyone was enjoying their meal members of the local girl guides and boy scouts organizations, who both use the church as their headquarters, were on hand to mingle with all generations of the community, and to volunteer their services by clearing dishes from tables, serving drinks and be friendly faces for all attending citizens.
“One of our goals is to give back and help others so we try to live up to that,” said Chris Bushell, group commissioner of the 1st Innisfail Scouts, who noted the church gives his group free rental for use of the facility. “They let us use it, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to have scouts.”
Michelle Mooney, a pathfinder leader for the local girl guides, said helping the church out was an important service project for the young local guiders.
“And as a thank you to show our appreciation to the church for providing meeting and storage space,” said Mooney. She added the church has been their home since the old log cabin facility was torn down more than a quarter century ago.
“It has been home for a good generation.”
